Construction companies are often plagued by delays and budget overruns.
A study by HKA, a leading global risk mitigation consultancy, showed $91 billion in excess costs across 1,800 projects. The study also showed cumulative delays of 876 years, pointing to the same culprit: “inaccurate, incomplete, and late designs.”
Yet, these challenges can be managed by one essential player in the construction process: the draftsman.
Skilled draftsmen bring expertise that can streamline workflows, keep budgets in check, and minimize setbacks.
In this article, we’ll look at how skilled draftsmen contribute to a more efficient project, and how you can hire one at a fraction of the cost.
I. Who Are Draftsmen?
Draftsmen translate ideas, concepts, and technical data into precise, detailed drawings and blueprints that form the backbone of any construction, manufacturing, or engineering project.
Whether it’s the layout of a commercial building, the design of a mechanical part, or the structure of a bridge, draftsmen bring these ideas into a tangible, accurate form that everyone—engineers, architects, and contractors—can follow.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Draftsman
Draftsmen play an essential role in translating concepts and data into precise technical drawings and guiding the construction, manufacturing, and engineering fields. These professionals:
- Create detailed plans and blueprints essential for project execution
- Ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards
- Provide a foundation that architects, engineers, and contractors rely on to bring ideas to life
These drawings account for every necessary dimension, material specification, and structural detail of any structure.
Take the case of a new office building. While the architect focuses on the overall design vision, the draftsman ensures that each floor plan, window placement, and material usage aligns with aesthetic goals and regulatory requirements. They ensure that the design transitions smoothly from paper to the real world.
They also play a critical role in regulatory compliance—adhering to local building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards.
Different Specialties in Drafting
There are various specialties within the drafting field, each focusing on a different aspect of design and construction:
- Architectural Draftsmen: These professionals work closely with architects to produce floor plans, building elevations, and detailed layouts of buildings. An architectural draftsman might be tasked with designing the blueprint for a new high-rise, ensuring that each floor’s structure can support the one above.
- Mechanical Draftsmen: Focused on machinery and mechanical components, these draftsmen create detailed diagrams for parts, machines, and devices. In the automotive industry, a mechanical draftsman might design the technical specifications for a new engine component.
- Civil Draftsmen: Civil draftsmen specialize in creating plans for roads, bridges, and public works. A city planning a new bridge would have a civil draftsman draw up the design that accounts for everything from the bridge’s foundation to the traffic flow it needs to support.
- Electronics Draftsmen: Electronics draftsmen specialize in the design of electrical circuits and electronic components—producing diagrams for systems ranging from simple household electronics to complex industrial machinery. For instance, an electronics draftsman might design the circuit board layout for a new smartphone model, ensuring that all components fit and function properly within the device.
- Electrical Draftsmen: Electrical draftsmen focus on designing electrical systems for buildings, facilities, and infrastructure projects—creating detailed plans for wiring, power distribution, and lighting systems. A new office building’s construction team might rely on an electrical draftsman to design the layout for all electrical installations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and energy efficiency.
- Aeronautical Draftsmen: Aeronautical draftsmen work on detailed designs for aircraft and spacecraft. They create precise technical drawings for everything from wings and fuselage sections to internal systems. An aeronautical draftsman might work on the layout for a commercial jet’s hydraulic systems, collaborating with engineers to ensure it meets industry standards for safety and performance.
- Pipeline Draftsmen: Pipeline draftsmen specialize in the layout and design of piping systems used in various industries, including oil, gas, and water utilities. They create drawings that outline the route, materials, and dimensions for piping networks. A pipeline draftsman might develop the layout for a new oil pipeline, ensuring it follows a path that minimizes environmental impact and meets regulatory requirements.
- Marine Draftsmen: Marine draftsmen focus on the design of boats, ships, and other watercraft. They create technical drawings for hulls, decks, propulsion systems, and onboard facilities. For example, a marine draftsman might design the blueprint for a yacht’s engine room, ensuring the placement of each component allows for optimal performance and ease of maintenance.
- Landscape Draftsmen: Landscape draftsmen create detailed site plans for outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and public spaces. They work with landscape architects to map out plant placements, pathways, and drainage systems. A landscape draftsman might develop a layout for a city park, ensuring that the design includes accessible walkways and sustainable landscaping practices.
There is a broad range of specialties in the field, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the work. Each of these specialties requires specialized knowledge and expertise.
Educational Background and Skills
A skilled draftsman is a combination of formal education, technical proficiency, and creativity. In addition to a degree related to their specialty, most have completed specialized programs in drafting, design, graphics, engineering, or related fields.
They’re trained in using industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks for modeling.
But beyond technical know-how, successful draftsmen must also have creativity and strong problem-solving abilities, as they will be called upon to resolve design issues before a project reaches the construction phase.
In short, draftsmen are highly skilled professionals who help bring concepts to life—operating across various sectors and specialties.
II. The Challenges Businesses Face Without Skilled Draftsmen
Without skilled draftsmen, businesses will find themselves facing a range of issues that can impact the success of any project. Whether it’s a construction firm working on a new building or a manufacturing company developing prototypes, the absence of a solid draftsman will lead to serious problems.
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Costly Delays
Delays in drafting can significantly disrupt project timelines, as every phase of construction or production relies on detailed technical drawings. When draftsmen fall behind, the entire project stalls because the construction or manufacturing teams lack the instructions they need to begin or proceed.
For example, if floor plans or machinery layouts aren’t ready in time, it leads to scheduling conflicts, unproductive workdays, and labor costs that add up quickly. In highly competitive markets, even a short delay can mean falling behind competitors or missing critical market entry points, especially for startups that may lack the budget flexibility to handle extended project timelines.
A U.K. survey of construction professionals compared the delays in construction projects for 2016 and 2022. The survey showed that the percentage of projects that suffered delays has increased from 85% to 91%.
Source: www.cornerstoneprojects.co.uk -
Increased Costs
Inaccurate or incomplete drawings often result in costly rework. If errors or missing details in the technical drawings are only noticed once construction has started, the financial impact can be severe.
Revisions may involve demolishing completed work, reordering materials, and deploying additional labor, all of which stretch the project budget.
The financial strain of correcting these errors often affects small businesses and startups more acutely, as their budgets are typically less adaptable to unexpected expenses. Moreover, frequent changes and corrections can erode trust with clients, who may view these issues as a sign of unprofessionalism or poor planning.
The same survey mentioned above also showed that the delays are becoming more costly:
Source: www.cornerstoneprojects.co.uk -
Poor Quality
Technical drawings act as the quality backbone of any project, whether it’s a residential building, a highway, or a complex machine. Poorly executed drafts can result in compromised quality, as builders may interpret missing or unclear details incorrectly.
For instance, an inaccurate drawing might lead to the misplacement of critical elements like support beams, HVAC units, or safety barriers, weakening the overall integrity of the project. This can lead to a domino effect where, as quality issues mount, clients lose confidence in the project’s durability and safety, potentially impacting future business and reputation.
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Compliance Issues
Draftsmen must not only deliver accurate designs but also ensure these meet industry regulations and safety standards.
Non-compliance with regulatory requirements can bring projects to a halt or even lead to costly legal action.
For example, in a building project, a draftsman’s oversight regarding local fire codes or accessibility standards could result in project shutdowns until corrections are made.
Beyond potential delays, failure to adhere to regulations can lead to fines, liability claims, or forced project revisions. A skilled draftsman helps companies avoid these issues by ensuring all drawings align with both local and international standards.
Startups and small businesses feel these strains more acutely, the financial repercussions of such setbacks can be devastating.
In competitive markets, even a short delay or a regulatory snag doesn’t just mean falling behind competitors. It can lead to the abandonment of the project.
III. Problem: Hiring Draftsmen is Expensive
Hiring skilled draftsmen domestically can be cost-prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses and startups.
With U.S. salaries for draftsmen ranging from $69,000 to $112,000 per year according to Glassdoor, the financial commitment quickly adds up—often beyond reach for companies with limited budgets.
For startups with sporadic drafting needs, hiring a full-time, in-house draftsman is seldom practical. Outsourcing has become the logical alternative, yet even U.S.-based freelancers come with high hourly rates, which still strain resources.
To truly reduce costs while maintaining quality, companies are increasingly turning to offshore outsourcing.
By tapping into global talent pools, businesses can access the same technical expertise at a fraction of domestic rates, allowing them to stay within budget without compromising on professional standards.
IV. Solution: Outsource Draftsmen Offshore
Outsourcing draftsmen offshore combines cost savings with specialized expertise, allowing companies to reduce overhead by hiring professionals in regions with lower labor costs.
Offshore outsourcing is the process of hiring external service providers or contractors located in a foreign country for tasks typically handled in-house.
It combines the benefits of outsourcing—such as accessing specialized expertise and improving efficiency—with the cost advantages of offshoring, where companies benefit from lower wages and expenses in other regions.
Offshore outsourcing is commonly used for services like IT support, customer service, and drafting work.
It has several compelling advantages:
Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring skilled draftsmen domestically often comes with high labor costs, benefits packages, and overheads. However, offshore draftsmen, particularly those in countries with lower labor costs, can provide the same work at a fraction of the price.
By outsourcing offshore, companies can save, on average,70% of their labor costs.
For instance, a construction firm in the U.S. can outsource drafting work to professionals in the Philippines, where salaries are considerably lower. A seasoned draftsman from the Philippines costs only $22,800 annually.
The firm still receives high-quality drafts without the financial burden of full-time employees, including benefits, office space, and equipment.
In essence, offshore draftsmen allow businesses to stretch their budgets, while maintaining high quality.
Access to a Broader Skill Pool
Outsourcing enables businesses to reach beyond local markets and tap into a diverse range of professionals with specialized skills.
This can be particularly valuable when looking for draftsmen who have experience in specific fields, such as architectural, mechanical, or civil drafting.
Each of these specializations requires different expertise, and finding the right person locally may be a challenge. Zippia.com has reported that there are only 59,761 draftsmen in the whole of the United States, which makes finding one with the required skill and experience that much harder.
For instance, a US-based company might need someone with experience in sustainable building practices. By outsourcing globally, they can tap draftsmen in regions like Southeast Asia where green building standards are commonly integrated into projects.
These professionals bring fresh insights and techniques that enrich the design process, providing a competitive advantage.
Flexibility and Scalability
Outsourcing offers flexibility that in-house teams often struggle to provide. By working with offshore draftsmen, businesses can scale their workforce up or down depending on project demand.
Consider a real estate development company that takes on a variety of projects throughout the year. During peak periods, the company may need to quickly ramp up its drafting resources to meet tight deadlines. Outsourcing allows them to bring in extra talent as needed, whether for a few weeks or several months, without the hassle of hiring staff during slower periods.
On the flip side, smaller firms or startups might only need drafting services occasionally. Hiring full-time draftsmen doesn’t make sense for them. Outsourcing offers the flexibility to access skilled professionals when required—a huge advantage for agencies with fluctuating demand.
V. How Offshore Draftsmen Save Your Business Time and Money
In addition to cost savings from their lower rates, outsourced draftsmen save businesses more money through the efficiency and quality of their work. A highly-skilled, draftsman will ensure that projects flow smoothly to completion.
Here’s a closer look at how quality offshore draftsmen can impact any business:
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Lower Project Costs
Tapping into a wider pool of talent, not being limited to what is available to your company locally, generally means being exposed to a higher level of expertise and experience.
Countries like the Philippines, with its strong educational system and robust design, engineering, and drafting traditions—have become the preferred source for high-quality but affordable draftsmen, even rivaling those in the West.
Accessing a global talent pool often means higher expertise for less, reducing costly rework and project delays.
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Faster Turnaround Times
Offshore draftsmen are often able to deliver high-quality drafts faster than in-house teams.
Many offshore providers have teams that work around the clock, leveraging time zone differences to ensure that your projects keep moving even after your office closes.
Offshore teams often work around the clock, allowing U.S.-based firms to receive completed drafts overnight.
For example, an architectural firm based in the U.S. might send out design specifications at the end of their business day and receive fully completed drafts from an offshore partner by the next morning. This reduces downtime between project phases, accelerates timelines, and helps your business meet tight deadlines.
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Focus on Core Competencies
Outsourcing allows firms to dedicate internal resources to primary tasks, like client management or strategic planning.
Drafting may be an essential part of many projects, but for most companies, it isn’t their area of expertise. By outsourcing to skilled offshore professionals, your team can focus on core operations like product development, customer service, and strategy—areas that directly drive revenue.
An engineering firm may have brilliant structural engineers, but if those engineers are spending a significant portion of their time drafting, it becomes a loss in some other area. By outsourcing drafting work, the firm can redirect its internal talent toward other high-value activities that drive growth.
The cumulative impact of these advantages—faster turnaround times, reduced errors, and the ability to focus on core competencies—translates into significant cost savings for businesses.
For small to medium-sized businesses or startups, where every dollar counts, these savings can be a game-changer.
By partnering with skilled offshore talent, businesses can achieve high-quality results at a fraction of the cost.
VI. Best Practices for Collaborating with Offshore Draftsmen
Outsourcing is a game-changer, and there’s a correct way of going about it. Follow these best practices to spark and sustain strong professional relationships that lead to successful outcomes.
Choosing the Right Partner
The first step in collaborating with offshore draftsmen is choosing the right partner. It’s critical to thoroughly evaluate potential candidates based on their skills, experience, and reliability.
Look for draftsmen with a proven track record in your specific industry.
For instance, if you’re in real estate development, you’ll want to partner with a draftsman experienced in architectural drawings. If you’re working in manufacturing, someone with mechanical drafting expertise might be a better fit.
Do these “due diligence” activities to ensure compatibility with a potential hire and reduce the learning curve when starting a new project:
- Review past projects to gauge the quality of their work, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Review client testimonials and call up references for valuable insights.
- Assess their familiarity with the software or systems your team uses, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks through technical interview questions and a practical skills test.
Additionally, take into account the draftsman’s location and time zone. Working with professionals in different time zones can either be an advantage or a challenge. The key is finding someone who is not only skilled but also aligns with your project’s schedule and workflow needs.
Effective Communication
Without the benefit of face-to-face meetings, miscommunication can easily occur. Establishing clear lines of communication from the get-go can side-step a multitude of errors and delays.
Use project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
Communication is a big deal when collaborating with offshore employees. It is even more so when working with draftsmen. Here are some communication best practices:
- Set communication expectations early on. Agree on what platform to use, the frequency of contact, and the subjects and issues that need to be communicated.
- Be very specific about project requirements. Supply comprehensive instructions and reference materials, including project scope, materials, and drafting standards.
- Regular check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) via video or calls can ensure that both parties are aligned and any issues can be quickly addressed.
- Leverage visual aids. Use annotated drawings, screenshots, and video walkthroughs to clarify complex design elements or revisions.
- Standardize file formats. Agree on the use of specific file formats (e.g., .dwg, .rvt, .sldprt) to ensure seamless sharing and compatibility.
- Encourage open feedback to quickly address issues before they turn into larger problems.
Be Culturally Sensitive
Cultural sensitivity plays a significant role in fostering effective offshore relationships. Understanding the nuances can smoothen collaboration and improve outcomes.
If you’re working with Filipino draftsmen, for instance, you might spend extra effort in asking for feedback. The culture respects hierarchy and is less likely to openly challenge or raise concerns out of respect.
You would do well to observe more subtle non-verbal cues.
Building Long-Term Relationships
One-off projects can be successful, but long-term collaborations often yield even better results. Building a solid working relationship with a draftsman or drafting team provides consistency in quality and ensures a deeper understanding of your business needs over time.
Developing long-term partnerships allows draftsmen to become familiar with your company’s processes, preferences, and design standards—leading to quicker turnaround times and fewer revisions.
To foster such a relationship, treat your offshore draftsmen as an integral part of your team. Offer feedback, acknowledge their contributions, and invest time in improving your collaboration. Small gestures, like recognizing exceptional work or providing additional training resources, can go a long way in building loyalty and commitment.
Maintain the communication lines even when there’s a gap between projects. Checking in periodically, even during slow periods, helps maintain the relationship and ensures that when you need their services again, they are ready to jump back into action.
With the right approach, offshore draftsmen can seamlessly integrate into your business operations, delivering quality results, and saving you time and money.
Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or any other field, offshore draftsmen can offer the expertise you need at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Kinetic Innovative Staffing today to discover how skilled draftsmen can help turn your project blueprints into reality—faster and cheaper, without compromising quality.
Kinetic Innovative Staffing has been providing hundreds of companies in the Asia Pacific, North America, the Middle East, and Europe with professionals working remotely from the Philippines since 2013. Get in touch to know more.
